Comments

Hefner

NegativeEllie

It's funny Hefner - that's usually how I respond to your posts, and this one is no exception.

I agree that government must recognize and inform the public as to how the funds will be used. The City of Wheeling, oddly, fails under much more examination by this editorial staff than does the Ohio County Commission and the Ohio County Development Authority.

For example, the county has signed deals with Chesapeake, and it has started to collect royalties. But how much? And how are those funds being used so to benefit the county taxpayer?

Ragnar

The Highlands debt is $250 million or so. I don't believe that total annual rents top $3 million. Property tax values are being fought in court and sales taxes are simply transferred from one area business to another.

The gas money that could have gone to a rainy day fund, taxpayer refund or a worthy infrastructure project will, instead, be used to pay down debt on the only retail development in the US that was designed, built and managed by three county commissioners. (That is not a compliment).

It always angers me to hear local politicians and their cronies talk about how future TIF revenues are NOT being wasted. Well, if you are developing wasteful projects now that will take up, say, $200,000 in TIF money per year for the next 10 years, that is $2 million that could have been spent elsewhere.

Wheeling should be a success but it is not. It is not, because of the idiotic leadership of the town. 1% of the population walks out the door each year...

bloomin

chokingsmoker is right, I think its too late too. Nobody wants to move here, and those here seem to be looking for the right time to get out. What is there to shop for here?

I shop out of town, and most people that I know do not set out to buy a pair of shoes here or a suit. Just bought a new Subaru, 3 k less out of town than our local dealer. Thats a lot of money. Those with business here have so few customers, they cant offer variety and they dont want to deal. Can spend half day going to strip dist. in Pitt and Whole food, and not be forced to buy expired and high priced organic items.

Who really wants to invest here, as those with any intellegence have already made other arrangements and developed relationships out of area. A big collapse is a matter of time.

promo61

The posts here are indicative of the seemingly insurmountable problems Wheeling and other cities like it must overcome. My solution? Stop bad-mouthing leadership and stand at post. Use one-tenth of the time otherwise spent griping and do something that has an impact. Shop locally - even if it means spending a little more. A wee bit of pride wouldn't hurt anyone would it? I'd rather you move on to another town and cut it down. We have too many like you already.

sounder

The people who might be attracted to Wheeling as a start up place for new business are going to have an idea that the city and region are not all that welcoming to new people nor ideas. The old line guard which one ran or had influence over the local economy is gone or no longer interested. Retail in downtown Wheeling? You'd need to change the culure and that effort would require new blood moving into the city and county. Why look at Wheeling when nearby Pittsburgh has all that open space from the steel era, active plans for redevelopment, the money to carry all of that off.

bloomin

promo-you are correct that the problem is insumountable. You are either very young or very new, nothing here has impact. And thank you but I will continue to take my wallet to Pa where people are treated with respect. Once you have opened a large pkg of meat from kroger and covered your face from the stink, and the store gives you your bucks back when you lay it on the counter, quickly tying the bag shut. Of course you accept apology. Of course you consider-what if the meat were "spoiled" but not yet stinking, your family would likely be sick. This is the mentality that penetrates wheeling business's. They might have begun with good intent, but cant tell you the number of times I have been in the store and told someone the yogurt is expired, only to return the following day and it still be on the shelf. Our city gvt is that way, they never learn because they dont think others have any choice. To a large extent, we dont. I will live here and reap the benefits of living in a

bloomin

in great cheap home with cheap taxes. I will continue to give my business to the great individuals, drs, dentist, hairdresser, etc, and the family owned business, Miklas, Jebbias, and few as true value got run out. What I dislike here, I will not pay for and those who do are either lazy or stupid. My "wheeling feeling" says head east, find the fresh food and quality goods, without tax on clothing, eat out, and even work because theres nothing here and nothing good to come. Sorry but true. Retire and sell.

bloomin

sorry promo, Im staying for the cheap taxes and housing. Im gonna sell when homes are at prime. In the meantime, I will criticize the foolishness that occurs here, it is laughable. And when people ask where I got something, I will direct them out of state. Actually have group of 4 that hit pittsburgh one a week for the GOOD food. Fun day, cheaper, and fresher. Most of all, the people are nicer. They know how to drive without road rage-they are happier. Wheeling is not a friendly city. It has some of the meanest people I have ever met. While I have great neighbors and friends here, too many disgruntled, and for good reason.